Milan, Sep 29, 2001/FWD/ --- When Bottega Veneta's headquarters opened its heavy iron security gates in Milan to present buyers and editors with their Spring/Summer 2002 collection, things were a little different from the last exuberant paint-striped, brightly colored extravaganza.

Bought by Gucci Group and with Thomas Maier as creative director, the clothing has been replaced with seriously luxurious leather accessories only - the original concept of the company which dates back to 1966. It is the first season of the new BV.

Head of public relations Lisa Pomerantz told FWD, "Every bag is completely handmade, there is no computer cutting involved at all. Every skin is inspected for any imperfections - a lot of leather is wasted because of this - but the result is a perfectly handmade bag."

The stunning collection includes bags, shoes, belts, wallets, hair bands, dog collars and leads and even a woven rope necklace to hang your keys on while exercising. Most of the pieces are in Bottega's original signature '70s weave in shades of black, brown and butterscotch, though there are variations such as a straw, leather mix weave and waxed leather finishes.

There is no metal on the bags so the structure of the pieces is incredibly soft and body forming. Maier explained to FWD: "The pieces get better with age - like an old designer blazer that is worn, the piece becomes more personal with more character."

Some of the bags are $3,800 a pop, so it's good to know that the new Bottega collection is intended for long term use.

This is just the start of the company's metamorphosis. A new logo and ad campaign are being worked on and the store designs are being revamped and will be similar to the BV headquarters in Milan - futuristic and industrial yet comfortable and inviting.

The new pieces will begin to arrive in New York, London and Paris in the next few months and it's a case of "if you snooze, you lose" on this one: most of the pieces are limited editions and have been flying out of any store that they have graced with their presence.